Barcelona started their 2025–26 preseason campaign with a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe in Japan, giving Hansi Flick his first victory as manager. Eric García opened the scoring before debutant Roony Bardghji and La Masia product Dro Fernández added second-half goals.
Marcus Rashford and goalkeeper Joan Garcia made their Barcelona debuts, while Jofre Torrents impressed in the ongoing left-back battle. With senior players still resting after a packed international summer, Flick handed opportunities to academy talents and new signings, many of whom made a strong first impression.
[REPORT] Barça Begin New Era with 3-1 Win Over Vissel Kobe
Barcelona’s first game of the preseason was not about winning trophies but about showing what they can do. Hansi Flick put together a team with young players and newcomers as the Blaugrana started their trip with a 3-1 victory over Japanese champions Vissel Kobe.
Eric García scored for the visitors in the 33rd minute, heading the ball in from a free kick. The defender, who didn’t get much attention before, played well and seemed confident—giving Flick something to think about for the defence lineup.
The second half had a lot of new energy. Roony Bardghji, who played on the right side instead of Lamine Yamal, scored the second goal. He grabbed a chance started by Marcus Rashford’s sharp pass to Lewandowski and easily scored in the 77th minute.
Then came the best part. Dro Fernández, playing on the other side, scored a nice goal in the 87th minute, helping Barcelona win the game.
Hansi flick did not play the high line today. People expecting Barca to play the same football they played last season will be so shocked. Hansi is a tactician
— Anabella💙❤️ (@AnabellaMarvy) July 27, 2025
[UPDATE] Rashford Steady, Garcia Safe: Debutants Leave a Mark
All eyes were on Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance in Barcelona colours. His performance wasn’t dazzling, but he played with maturity—tracking back, finding pockets, and most notably threading the line-breaking pass that led to the second goal.
It’s early days, but the intent was clear: Rashford has the tools, now he needs the rhythm. In goal, Joan Garcia delivered a performance built on fundamentals. He showed safe hands under pressure and looked composed during distribution.
The lone Vissel goal came from a defensive miscue by Pau Cubarsí—not one Garcia could’ve done much about. Flick, watching closely from the sidelines, will surely be encouraged by the keeper’s poise.
[UPDATE] Rashford’s Quiet Start, But Bright Signs
Marcus Rashford’s first game wasn’t flashy, but it had some good signs. At first, he seemed confused, not knowing when to take a shot or pass the ball back.
His friends on the team kept passing him the ball, showing they believed he would help. Rashford made a nice pass that helped Roony score.
This shows he can get past defenses when it’s the right moment. He also worked hard to get back, and Flick seemed to like that during a talk at the break.
The bond is growing, even if the fire hasn’t fully started yet.
[TRENDING] Jofre Torrents Stakes Claim for Left-Back Role
Few players stood out quite like Jofre Torrents. With Barcelona confirming they won’t make another signing in the left-back slot, the competition between Torrents and Gerard Martín has become a preseason sub-plot.
Torrents played like a blend of Alejandro Balde’s attacking flair and Martín’s defensive reliability. He was fearless on the ball, composed in his decision-making, and consistently involved in buildup play. His showing wasn’t flashy—it was functional. But in Flick’s system, that might just be the winning formula.
Amit Mishra’s Take
Barcelona’s 3-1 win against Vissel Kobe may be preseason on paper, but the match was rich in signals. From Rashford’s integration to the spark shown by Roony, Dro, and Torrents, Flick now has decisions to make.
This wasn’t just a warm-up—it was a blueprint. If this is how the youth perform under pressure, Barcelona’s future may already be present.
